Rhiannon Hendricks
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to look at cheap wedding dresses first or last. One consideration is the timeline for wedding planning. It is recommended that brides start looking for their dress between 9 and 12 months before the wedding to avoid rush fees and have enough time for alterations. However, some brides may want to look earlier to take advantage of sales and spread out expenses. On the other hand, buying a dress too early may result in last-minute stressors if the bride's weight changes or the dress goes out of style. Another factor is budget. Discussing the budget before dress shopping is crucial to prevent heartache later on. Knowing the budget can help narrow down options and manage expectations. Additionally, the bridal style and desired venue/theme should be considered. Having a clear vision of the desired look and feel of the wedding can help guide the dress selection process. It is also important to keep an open mind, as the perfect dress may be found in an unexpected style or location, such as an online boutique or pre-owned rack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to start looking for a wedding dress | It is recommended to start looking for a wedding dress 9-12 months prior to the wedding. This gives you enough time to shop around and avoid rush fees. |
| Wedding dress budget | It is important to discuss the budget for the wedding dress with the person/people paying for it (family, partner, or the bride/groom) and be realistic about what is affordable. |
| Wedding dress style | It is helpful to have an idea of the desired style of the wedding dress before starting to look. This can include the level of formality, the venue, and the theme, and personal style preferences. |
| Wedding dress alterations | Most wedding dresses will need alterations, which can range from basic hems to major adjustments. It is recommended to schedule the first fitting 6-8 weeks before the wedding and the second fitting 4 weeks before. |
| Wedding dress accessories | It is important to consider accessories such as shoes, veil, and jewellery, and to have them ready before the final fitting. |
| Wedding dress purchase timing | Opinions vary on whether it is better to buy a wedding dress early or close to the wedding. Buying early can help dictate other choices, but it may also result in last-minute stressors if the dress needs to be altered significantly. |
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What You'll Learn
Budgeting for your wedding dress
Determine Your Budget:
Before you start shopping, decide on a realistic budget that fits within your overall wedding expenses. Couples typically allocate around 6% to 10% of their total wedding budget for the attire and beauty category, which includes the wedding dress, alterations, and accessories.
Research and Timing:
Take time to research and understand the price ranges of wedding dresses. The cost can vary depending on factors such as designer influence, fabric quality, embellishments, and craftsmanship. The timing of your purchase can also impact pricing; while prices may not fluctuate much in a year or two, buying too far in advance might result in unexpected last-minute stressors. It's generally recommended to start looking for your dress a year to a year and a half before the wedding.
Explore Options:
Consider both off-the-rack and custom-made options within your budget. Off-the-rack dresses offer a wide range of styles and prices, and you can often find elegant options that won't break the bank. Custom-made dresses tend to be more expensive, starting at around $2,000 and increasing with complexity and designer reputation.
Prioritize and Simplify:
Prioritize the features that matter most to you. If a luxurious fabric is your dream, opt for a simpler silhouette to balance the costs. Embellishments, beading, and intricate details can add to the expense, so consider a simple dress and accessorize with statement jewellery or a veil to create a glamorous look without breaking the bank.
Alterations:
Remember to factor in the cost of alterations, which can range from $75 to over $300, or even more for extensive adjustments. To save on alterations, choose a dress that already almost fits, or consider brands that offer custom or made-to-measure sizing, like Azazie, which can help you avoid additional alteration costs.
Sales and Trunk Shows:
Keep an eye out for sales and trunk shows to score your dream dress at a more affordable price. Subscribe to your favourite brands' social media pages and mailing lists to stay informed about upcoming sales events.
Accessorize Smartly:
Don't forget to budget for accessories like jewellery, shoes, and a veil or headpiece, which can range from $150 to $400. If you're going with an elaborate gown, keep your accessories low-key, and if you choose a simpler dress, use the extra budget to glam it up with accessories.
Happy wedding dress shopping! With careful budgeting and informed choices, you can find the perfect dress that fits both your style and financial goals.
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When to start shopping
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, there are a few things to consider in terms of timing. Firstly, it is recommended that you start looking for your dress around 9-12 months before the wedding. This allows plenty of time for shopping around and finding the dress of your dreams, as well as avoiding rush fees and giving designers enough time to create your gown.
However, it's important to be mindful of weight fluctuations and not fall into the trap of waiting too long to shop for your dress in hopes of reaching a "perfect weight". Accept that your body might change over the months leading up to your wedding, and try to find a dress that makes you feel confident and comfortable at your current size.
If you're looking to buy a dress off the rack, you may have more flexibility with timing. Some brides have shared their experiences of buying a dress as early as a year or two before their wedding, or even just a few months in advance. It's important to consider the potential for alterations and customisations, which can add a few months to the process.
Before you start shopping, it's a good idea to figure out your bridal style and vision. Are you more boho or classic? Do you want a laid-back garden wedding or a formal affair? These details will help guide your dress choices and ensure they align with your overall wedding aesthetic.
Additionally, don't forget to consider your budget and who will be paying for the gown. Discuss this in advance to avoid any heartache or stress later on. Knowing your budget will help you choose the right boutiques or salons to visit, ensuring they carry samples in your price range and size.
Lastly, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding dress shopping. Every bride is unique, and you should make decisions that feel right for you. Whether you start shopping early or opt for a last-minute purchase, keep an open mind and trust your instincts to find the perfect dress for your special day.
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Where to shop
Wedding dresses can be expensive, but there are many options for those who want to save money. Here are some places to shop for cheap wedding dresses:
Online Retailers
The British e-tailer ASOS, known for its trendy and affordable fashion, offers a wide range of wedding dress options, including its in-house bridal line. Most of their gowns are under $300, with many priced below $200. They also offer accessories and lingerie to complete your wedding look.
Lulus, a fast-fashion site, has its own label of wedding dresses starting as low as $40 and never exceeding $530.
Revolve, a retailer known for its obsession-worthy skincare and covetable fashion, has a bridal section with options perfect for a non-traditional ceremony or rehearsal dinner. For example, the Did It My Way Dress from BB Dakota is just $119 and would be ideal for a rustic-themed wedding.
Shopbop, an e-tailer known for designer goodies, has a small wedding boutique featuring minimalist yet chic gowns like the Black Halo Kacie two-piece maxi set for $415, perfect for a beach wedding.
Nordstrom, while not specializing in wedding dresses, offers a range of formal white dresses suitable for a low-key ceremony or reception, such as the Mac Duggal Rosette Chiffon Cutout Gown for under $600.
Azazie provides a selection of affordable wedding dresses, with options like the Azazie Stevie, a chapel-train tulle and lace dress priced between $200 and $300. They also have versatile little white dresses that can be dressed up or down, starting at just around $200.
TheDressWarehouse
TheDressWarehouse offers a full spectrum of wedding dress styles, from contemporary to traditional, including classical A-line gowns, fitted sheath dresses, and mermaid gowns, with prices starting at just $99. They cater to all body types and shapes, so you can find a dress that flatters your unique figure and complements your skin tone.
Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal
Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal specializes in pre-owned wedding dresses for all types of brides. They offer off-the-rack options that you can take home on the day of purchase, providing a personal touch at a more affordable price.
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What to consider when trying on dresses
There are many factors to consider when trying on wedding dresses. Firstly, it is important to establish a budget. Knowing your budget will save effort and potential disappointment, as it will help narrow down the selection of dresses to choose from. It is also beneficial to do some research beforehand to establish a baseline of likes and dislikes, such as preferred silhouettes, necklines, sleeve types, and fabrics. This will help your stylist better understand your taste and can be communicated to them via screenshots from Pinterest, for example.
It is also worth considering who you would like to bring to your appointment. While it can be fun to bring a group of friends or family members, it may also be overwhelming to have too many people and opinions at once. You may want to consider splitting up activities among your group, such as involving them in accessories appointments or final fittings.
Additionally, you may want to consider wearing similar undergarments, hair, and makeup to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will help you better visualize how the dress will look on the day. It is also beneficial to go barefoot during your appointment, as it will allow you to quickly and easily try on different gowns. If you plan on wearing heels on your wedding day, bring a pair with you to ensure the dress is the right length.
Finally, keep in mind that it is never too early to start trying on dresses. While some recommend buying a dress no earlier than a year and a half before the wedding, others suggest that buying a dress years in advance is perfectly fine. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to approach dress hunting, and you should do what feels comfortable for you.
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Fittings and alterations
The number of fittings you will need depends on the number of changes required. Most dresses will need at least some form of alterations, and brides should expect to attend two to four fittings. The first fitting will typically last one hour as the tailor begins to assess the dress and the alterations needed. The gown will start to take shape when the fitter starts pinning and tucking the fabric to sculpt it to your body. Subsequent fittings should take less time as the dress gets closer to the perfect fit.
It is recommended to start the alterations process eight weeks before the wedding, but seamstresses can work with less time. Alterations can take two to three months, so it is important to book your first appointment early.
During your fittings, the seamstress will take your measurements and pin the areas of the gown that need to be taken in. They can also make custom additions like sleeves, linings, and beading, or assist with resizing and reshaping the neckline. The hem is another important aspect of alterations, as it ensures that the dress is the right length and prevents you from tripping. If your dress has a train, creating a bustle is a common alteration to pin it up for the wedding reception.
To prepare for your fittings, it is important to bring the undergarments and accessories you plan to wear on your wedding day. This includes your wedding shoes, as the height of your heels will impact the length of the hem. If you are planning to wear a veil, it is helpful to have it picked out by your first appointment so your seamstress can consider your entire look.
The cost of alterations can vary depending on the services required. Some salons charge per service, while others charge a flat fee. Basic alterations like hemming may cost around $200, while major adjustments can cost over $1,000.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to start looking for your wedding dress 9-12 months before your wedding. This gives you plenty of time to shop around and find your dream dress. It also ensures that you can avoid rush fees and gives designers enough time to create your gown from scratch.
Before you start looking for your wedding dress, it is important to figure out your bridal style. Are you more of a boho bride or do you prefer a classic and traditional look? You can start by compiling a visual file of your favourite wedding dresses. Tear pages out of magazines, save Instagram posts, create a Pinterest board, and make note of celebrity looks you love.
While it can be uncomfortable to talk about money, discussing your budget will prevent heartache later on. Before looking at dresses, figure out who is paying for the gown and how much you are willing to spend. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure that you don't fall in love with a dress that is out of your price range.
There are many places to find cheap wedding dresses. You can try looking online, at bridal salons, or at boutiques that specialise in pre-owned wedding dresses.
When looking for cheap wedding dresses, it is important to keep an open mind. The first wedding dress you try on probably won't be "the one". It is also important to consider the venue and theme of your wedding to ensure that your dress complements the overall aesthetic.
